‘For his intense personal expression, brilliant technical mastery and overpowering stage presence.’ Thus read the judges’ citation for the percussionist and marimba artist Johan Bridger when he received the 2004 Swedish Soloist’s Prize, the same year he also won first prize in the Belgian International Marimba Duo Competition and make a grandiose debut at both Wigmore Hall in London and in the US. Since then Bridger has given numerous critically praised performances at major venues throughout Europe, in Russia, Japan and the US. He has collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists including Thomas Søndergård, Per Tengstrand and Håkan Hardenberger. Born in Sweden in 1976, Johan Bridger received his education from Malmö Academy of Music and Northwestern University in Chicago. As a true marimba virtuoso, Bridger embraces – and masters – an extensive repertoire. He also teaches at The Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen and at the music academies in Odense and Malmö.